Natural textile fibers of vegetable origin

Natural textile fibers of vegetable origin are those that originate in the hair of the seeds, such as cotton; on foliage, like sisal; in the stem like flax and fibers originating in the shell, like coconut. Among the most used by the textile industry, important and recognized, we can list the following: Abacá.

Also known as Manila Hemp, abaca originates from the sheath of the leaves that surround the trunk of the abaca plant, a variety close to the banana. It is a leaf fiber valued for its great resistance to the adverse effect of salt water, for its buoyancy and for the length of its fiber - more than 3 meters. Currently, its use in the production of clothing, home textiles and upholstery is growing thanks to the innovations in its process.

Of course, it is still used today for the production of navigation elements, in the paper money and automotive industry and even in the food industry.

Cotton

It grows in balls around the seeds of the plant and is pure cellulose. It is the natural textile fiber most used globally and of course, the main protagonist of the world textile industry. There are two exceptional varieties of the highest quality, Egyptian cotton and Peruvian pima. Widely used in the fashion industry, both in flat fabrics and knitwear and in home textiles.

It is used in combination with other natural and synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester, spandex, etc. Cotton fabrics are comfortable, very soft, with good heat conduction and good absorbency; qualities that make it perfect for use in garments that are in contact with the skin in both the spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons. It tends to shrink, is prone to wrinkles and fading.

Organic cotton

The great commitment to sustainability is the use of certified organic cotton. Through it, an efficient and sustainable use of natural resources is made without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemicals or genetically modified seeds. A detailed article on organic cotton and fashion explains more details.

Bonote

Coir is a short and coarse fiber that is extracted from the shell of the coconut. There are two types of coir: the brown fiber, which is obtained from ripe coconuts, and the fine white fiber, which is extracted from immature green coconuts. The white variety is used to make ropes and marine elements for its resistance to salt water.

Brown is used for the production of home textiles and even in the automotive industry. In addition, geotextiles made with coir mesh have special characteristics such as resistance to sunlight, great water absorption and are 100% biodegradable.

Hemp. Hemp fiber is obtained from the stem of the plant. One of the most relevant characteristics of this plant is that it captures large amounts of carbon. With 70% cellulose, hemp is a good conductor of heat, absorbs dyes very well, blocks ultraviolet light, is highly resistant to mold and has natural antibacterial properties.

Recent developments to "cotton" hemp fiber could open the doors for this fiber to the high-end fashion market. Longer hemp fibers can be spun and woven to make a curly, linen-like fabric used in the textile industry. The mixture with cotton, linen, silk and wool gives hemp greater softness, while adding strength and durability to the product.

Hemp fibers are also used to produce paper and a very important variety of canvases for different uses. It is also used in the automotive and construction industries.

Linen

Linen is one of the strongest vegetable fibers in nature, which is why it was one of the first to be cultivated, spun and woven to produce clothing and fashion accessories. There are different types of flax according to their species, the main ones are: common flax and perennial flax. It is a fiber with high mechanical resistance and very little elastic; therefore it wrinkles easily. Its softness increases with washing.

By absorbing and releasing water quickly and being an excellent thermal conductor, its fabrics are fresh, highly valued and used in the production of clothing for warm areas. Linen garments are very fresh, comfortable and symbolize elegance in summer fashion.

Linen fabric maintains a strong traditional niche among high-quality home textiles - bedding, upholstery, and interior décor accessories. It is also used in the automotive and furniture industries.

Ramie

Ramie fiber is white with a silk-like luster and is one of the strongest natural fibers, similar to flax in absorption and density. It is low elastic and stains easily.

Ramie fibers have transverse fissures that make them very fragile but also favor ventilation. The coarse fibers of ramie